Lunar New Year celebrations have begun

The Lunar New Year has begun! The holiday is largely celebrated in East Asia, but in the United States is often celebrated as the Chinese New Year.

It is recognized over 15 days in China, culminating with Lantern Festival (this year on Feb. 5). This year marks "The Year of the Rabbit," the fourth of the 12 animals which appear in the Chinese Zodiac.

Celebrations of the Lunar New Year are diverse, some more traditional and others very modern. Examples include: visiting family, sharing a large meal, hosting parties, cooking together, offering prayers, exchanging red envelopes of money, watching fireworks, watching dance performances and creating lantern displays.

Auburn and the Office of Inclusion and Diversity, or OID, want to wish a happy Lunar New Year to all those on campus celebrating. For those wanting to learn more about the holiday and those who celebrate, consider engaging with the Chinese Student Organization in the Cross Cultural Center for Excellence, the Department of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures or Auburn’s Asian Studies minor.

For more information on Auburn’s commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive campus community and other notes of cultural recognition, please visit OID’s website, Instagram page and Auburn’s DEI landing page, or by signing up for the OID newsletter.